Geoff Le Pard, who entertains us so hugely with stories on his TanGental blog, would have us believe that he was once a lawyer. This cannot be true. No teenager could have had such a past profession. And Geoff is surely in his teens. Who else could so convincingly represent the mind of a nineteen-yer-old, as he does in ‘Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle’, which I finished reading yesterday?
We know that this writer is a master of dialogue, which he uses to great effect in this tale of intrigue, crooked dealings, bullying, and burgeoning sexual angst. It is funny too. I won’t reveal the story, but every time I read the name of the character ‘Nigel Sodding Parsons’ – almost always ‘Nigel Sodding…….’, I heard the voice of the hapless Harold Spittle, and could hardly stifle a giggle. Doesn’t that strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the pungent wit of adolescent relationships?
The setting is on the fringes of The New Forest, where Geoff grew up, and where I now live. The story, with its focus on interplay between the characters, and its rising tensions, could take place anywhere. The period, for those of us who lived through the UK’s scorching summer of 1976, is well described; the heat of the sun synchronising so well with that of Harry’s hormones.
Nice one, Geoff.
Today, the amaryllis that Frances gave us for Christmas produced its final bloom;
whilst our crocuses are reaching their peak.
Helen brought her grandson, Billy, for a visit this afternoon. I made a print for him to take home to Stephanie and John, his Mum and Dad.
Shelley joined us later on.
After our guests had retuned to their homes, Jackie drove me,
via the Lymington River mirror,
to catch the sunset reflected on Hatchet Pond,
and the flooded heath near Beaulieu.
This evening we dined on Thai prawn fishcakes followed by smoked haddock and Davidstowe cheddar cheese fishcakes, with ratatouille, carrots, green beans, and mashed potato. We both drank Louis de Camponac sauvignon blanc 2014.
Have you forgotten how convincing a lawyer can be at anything? (joking of course). The sounds fantastic, Derrick.
You’re right of course GP. We are taught at an early stage that bullsh***ing convincingly will take you far in the law…
Is that why so many become politicians?
Thanks, GP
Derrick, you are a star of the first brocade. Thank you so much for the fabulous review – I’ve half a mind to steal it for my synopsis! I am very grateful. PS the pictures of the river are wonderful!
Many thanks, Geoff. You are very welcome
Lovely pics Derrick!
Thank you, Sofia
Great review; I will check out the author’s blog.
The reflections are definitely an improvement on the original – too bad it doesn’t happen when I look into the mirror but if it does, I’m in trouble.
Many thanks, Mary T 🙂
Thanks for the book review! And that river looks like the kind I like to kayak…
Many thanks, Lisa
Lovely photos as always!
Great review, Derrick.
As for the photos, they’re all beautiful, particularly the sunset shots. That said, I must say, little Billy steals the show…oh, that face…how sweet!
Many thanks, Jill
Lovely mirrors! Off to check out TanGental!
Thanks, Mek
Hope you like what you find!
Your blurb for Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle sounds interesting! I have a lot of my to read list, but I’ll keep it in mind to go and read those teaser chapters sometime…
Thank you for coming over and thank you fir the lovely comment.
How wonderful that you and Geoff share a geography…great book review. And the river pics are perfect, as is that sweet little face. ☺
Many thanks, Van
It is odd because I seem to be following derrick in his previous London life and he’s doing the same in the New Forest
Quite so 🙂
How lovely that you reviewed his book–it sounds like great fun. Don’t know if I can get it here. Your photos are luscious. I actually though the light was winking at me from between the trees…stunning light on water series.
Many thanks, Cynthia G. I always like to read your thoughtful comments
OMG! Derrick these photos are unbelievable! I can not say more words 🙂
Many thanks, Monica
Beautiful photos Derrick. You have a great eye.
Many thanks, Lonely
Great photos – possibly some of your best ever…
Many thanks, Quercus
Stunning landscape photos! Look at all those colours! Well, now you’ve intrigued me, and I’ll have to see if i can find that book.
Thanks, Crystal
Amazing sunset photos!
Many thanks, Mostly
Gorgeous images Derrick, sorry it’s has taken me so long to visit. You have such a talent with the camera.
Many thanks, Zip